Tag Archives: NEF

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BROTHER AND SISTER MMA FIGHTERS RETURN TO CAGE AT NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 15, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of two amateur bouts to the card.  Ryan Burgess (2-1) will battle Justin Witham (2-4) in a flyweight contest while his sister, Nicole Burgess (0-1), takes on Sarah Ziehm (0-0) in the strawweight division.

 

This will not be the first time the Burgess siblings have competed on an NEF card together.  Last June at “NEF 24,” Ryan and Nicole would taste defeat at the hands of Dustin Veinott (5-4) and Alex Walker (2-1), respectively.  They will look to redeem themselves on February 11.

 

“I’m super excited to get my sister back in the cage on the same card as me,” said Ryan Burgess. “She has always been a competitor and being able to train side by side with her throughout this fight camp will help me as much as it will help her. She is tough as nails and everything I will be helping her learn over the next two months will just reinforce the knowledge I have already obtained from my coaches. Her debut was against a seasoned fighter in Alex Walker and I can’t wait to see her take home her first win on February 11th.”

 

Ryan and Nicole are based out of the Berserkers MMA camp in Rumford, Maine.  They grew up in neighboring Mexico, Maine.  Ryan was a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School, while Nicole, a multi-sport athlete, also wrestled and excelled in field hockey.  She has continued her field hockey career at Plymouth State University.  Ryan captured the NEF MMA Flyweight Title last year.  Both siblings are confident that Nicole can replicate his success in the cage.

 

“Training with my brother is both a challenge and a blessing,” said Nicole.  “We’ll get on each other’s nerves, but at the end of the day we want each other to succeed. Plus, he’s a good partner to have on your team.”

 

Ryan’s bout at “NEF 27” will be a rematch.  In their first meeting, he defeated Justin Witham via unanimous decision at “NEF 18” in the summer of 2015.

 

“Rematching Witham will be a perfect opportunity for me to showcase the huge strides I have made over the last year and a half since the beginning of my MMA career. He is a really tough dude and I know he will show up for a war, but I have made huge improvements in all aspects of my game since adding Jason Bell to my corner and I will be the one to decide the outcome of this fight. I will control the pace of the fight and whether I want to take it to him on the feet or take him down and submit him, there is nothing he will be able to do to stop me. This fight will not go three rounds.”

 

Justin Witham is a member of the Shatterproof Combat Club.  Since his loss to Burgess, Witham has gone 2-1 including an impressive submission win over Conner Murphy (1-1) in his most recent outing.  Witham is certain that he can defeat Burgess in the rematch.

 

“I’ve been wanting this fight since the second our first fight was over,” exclaimed Witham.  “I can and will win!”

 

As for Nicole, she will be taking on the debuting Sarah Ziehm.  Ziehm is a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in nearby Auburn, Maine.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting back into the cage,” said Nicole.  “I think my first fight was a good learning experience and I got out all my nerves that I didn’t expect to have. Now, it’s my turn to come out with a ‘W’ for my team.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

REGISTERED NURSES TO THROW DOWN AT NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 13, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur women’s bout to the card.  Angela Young (1-2) returns to the NEF cage to take on Christine Brothwell (0-2) in the flyweight division.

 

Young, the wife of Young’s MMA founder and head coach Chris Young, made her MMA debut in the fall of 2015.  Somehow finding the time to fight while being a fulltime mother and working overnight as a registered nurse, Young would compete three times in just an eight-month period.  Win or lose, she has been known to put on “fight of the night” performances, including Young’s last bout with Kylie O’Hearn (1-2) at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts this past May.

 

“I’ve taken some time off from the cage since my last fight, but I’ve never stopped training,” said Young when reached for comment.  “Young’s is growing, and team training has been elevated to a higher standard because of the new talent.  I’m looking forward to stepping back in the NEF cage in February. I’ve been looking forward to this for a while, and you better believe I’m coming for a win.”

 

Like her opponent, Brothwell is a registered nurse.  She is based in New Hampshire and is a member of team Bucket Brigade in Nashua.  While she will be making her NEF debut on February 11, Brothwell is no stranger to the MMA cage.  She has competed twice previously and she promises a memorable fight for both Young and the fans in Lewiston.

 

“I fully respect my opponent, her abilities and training, but I train with the best in New England,” stated Brothwell. “Win or lose, you will always remember the time you fought me. This won’t just be the best female fight on the card, it’s going to be fight of the night.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

amateur mixed martial arts, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

HEAVYWEIGHTS PREPARE FOR WAR AT NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 7, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional contest to the card.  Ras “Rasquatch” Hylton (0-0) will make his professional debut against Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (5-4) in the heavyweight division.

 

Hylton’s now-legendary rise through the ranks of the amateur heavyweight division in NEF is one of the major stories of 2016.  At 6’6″ and towering over the top of the MMA cage, Hylton cuts an imposing figure.  The only thing more impressive than Hylton’s size and appearance might be his athletic abilities.  A prolific striker, Hylton finished all three of his opponents this year by either knockout or technical knockout.

 

“Rasquatch,” or as some fans call him “The Jamaican Shamrock,” really began to raise eyebrows with a highlight-reel head kick knockout of Matt Glover (1-1) last spring.  Then, last month at “NEF 26,” Hylton pounded an extremely tough Kevin Smith (3-3) to a bloody pulp.  It was immediately after that dominant performance that Hylton’s coaches at First Class MMA and Dragon Fire Martial Arts felt the time was right for him to make the jump to the pro ranks.

 

“I am so grateful to be fighting a man of Mike Hansen’s stature in front of my family and friends,” said Hylton.  “As the first professional fighter to come out of both Dragon Fire Martial Arts and First Class MMA, and with the instruction of Shihan Andy Campbell, John “First Class” Raio and my team, we are preparing for me to go to war because that is what Mike always brings to the cage.”

 

A former Maine state heavyweight wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School, Mike Hansen has never shied away from taking a fight with someone bigger than him.  In fact, Hansen, who also competes in the light-heavyweight and middleweight divisions, has gained a reputation as somewhat of a “giant killer.”

 

Earlier this year, Hansen submitted a substantially bigger Jesse Baughman (0-2) in the first round at “NEF 22.”  He followed up that impressive performance by nearly knocking out a much larger Brendan Battles (1-1) with a right hand at “NEF 23.”  This fall Hansen gave up nearly half a foot to Matt Andrikut (2-1) and submitted his bigger opponent in the first round.  Indeed, Hylton’s size advantage will play little role in the outcome of this fight should Hansen have anything to say about it.

 

“I’m super excited for this fight,” exclaimed Hansen.  “I like being part of these ‘super fights.’  I know Ras has a great camp behind him and he will come 100% prepared. I’ll expect nothing less from Raio, but I feel my experience and composure in the cage will be my best asset and that’s not something that he can train up on in 10 weeks. February 11th we will go to war, so expect just that.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

CLARK VS. CLARK ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 27

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (December 6, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the first amateur fight confirmed for the card.  Henry Clark (3-2) is scheduled to face Alex Clark (3-2) at a catchweight of 140-pounds.

 

Henry Clark fights out of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine.  With wins over the likes of Sheldon Bang (2-2) and Fred Lear (4-2), Henry earned a shot at the NEF Amateur Bantamweight Title earlier this year.  The finish of the bout was mired in controversy as Henry contended that the referee stoppage resulting in a technical knockout victory for Johnny Crafts (4-1) was actually the result of an illegal eye poke suffered by Clark.

 

“I’m coming into to this fight with an iron will and a desire for violence,” declared Henry Clark.  “After my last loss, I can guarantee it will not go that way for me again. I’m the best 135-pounder in Maine, and I’m here to prove that. After I take what I want from Alex, there’s only one place for me to go and that’s a championship fight. I look forward to facing the challenges Alex will bring.”

 

Alex Clark is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine.  He recently returned to the NEF cage after an extended leave of nearly three years from active competition.  At “NEF 26” last month, Alex  lost a hard-fought battle against Florida’s Shawn Lunghi (2-0).  He will be looking to bounce back from that loss at “NEF 27,” and he promises an exciting contest for fight fans.

 

“I’m super excited about this fight,” said Alex Clark.  “Henry is a tough guy with absolutely no quit in him. He’s not afraid to stand and exchange and has good BJJ to back it up. This is an awesome matchup between a couple of strong willed warriors, but I think my strength and athleticism is going to be the difference. Styles make fights and there’s no doubt that this one will be a crowd pleaser.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT SCHEDULED FOR NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 5, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the card.  Josh “Hook On” Harvey (2-0) will meet Richie Collingham (3-3) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Harvey is a former NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion.  He turned pro in 2016 after a stellar amateur career that saw him amass a record of 5-1 while facing some of the best the region has to offer.  In his pro debut, Harvey submitted Matt Denning (3-4) in Lewiston last spring.  He would follow up that victory with a win over Zenon Herrera (0-5) in August.  Harvey is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m training for the fight I want, and this opponent is just one more step closer to where I am going,” said Harvey of the upcoming bout with Collingham. “Wishing him a healthy training camp and that he shows up.”

 

When Richie Collingham steps foot in the NEF cage on February 11 it will have been nearly a decade since his last fight.  Now training out of Lakes Region Vale Tudo in New Hampshire, Collingham has not actively competed since 2007.  He was very active on the California MMA circuit at that time and put together a string of submission victories.

 

“I’m very excited about stepping into the cage with a tough fighter like Josh Harvey and fighting for NEF and putting on a good show for everyone,” said Collingham.  “I’m putting in hard work and February 11th can’t come soon enough.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

amateur mixed martial arts, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BLOOD REIGNS SUPREME ON FINAL LEWISTON FIGHT CARD OF 2016

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (November 19, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) held its latest mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY” on Saturday night at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The promotion presented a total of 14 MMA bouts before a robust crowd of fight fans.

 

Blood flowed early and it continued to flow liberally throughout the night.

 

In the main event of the evening, Ryan Sanders (12-8) defeated Jon Lemke (5-7) via unanimous technical decision.  The fight was stopped in the third round when Lemke suffered a deep cut on his head.  With the fight being in the third round, under the Unified Rules of MMA the judges’ scorecards were called upon for a verdict.  Sanders won 20-18 on all three judges’ scorecards, having scored only the first two rounds.

 

The co-main event saw Josh Parker (5-8) submit Derek Shorey (4-8) in the first-round of a highly-anticipated “coach vs. coach” battle.

 

Rounding out the professional portion of the card, Aaron Lacey (4-0) remained undefeated with a verbal submission win over veteran Taylor Trahan (6-7).

 

Nick Gulliver (4-0) of Farmington, Maine captured the NEF Amateur Heavyweight Title with a victory over Yorgan DeCastro (2-3) as the headliner of the amateur card.

 

The results from Lewiston, Maine:

 

PROFESSIONAL MMA

 

Ryan Sanders def. Jon Lemke via unanimous technical decision

Josh Parker def. Derek Shorey via guillotine, round 1

Aaron Lacey def. Taylor Trahan via verbal submission, round 1

 

AMATEUR MMA

 

Nick Gulliver def. Yorgan DeCastro via TKO, round 3

Chris Smith def. Nash Roy via guillotine, round 1

Angelo Rizzitello def. Ken Dunn via TKO, round 1

Fred Lear def. Robby Fraser via standing guillotine, round 2

Mike Williams def. Mike Swan via TKO, round 2

Ras Hylton def. Kevin Smith via TKO, round 2

Tom Burgess def. Darren Ducharme via TKO, round 1

Fernanda Araujo def. Hannah Sparrell via armbar, round 2

Shawn Lunghi def. Alex Clark via rear-naked choke, round 2

Jessica Borga def. Brianne Genschel via unanimous decision

Chad Pierce def. Lyman Curtis via unanimous decision

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE IS UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 26

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Lewiston, Maine (October 17, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur heavyweight title bout to the fight card.  Nick Gulliver (3-0) is scheduled to face Yorgan DeCastro (2-2) to fill the vacant NEF MMA Amateur Heavyweight Championship.

 

Gulliver is a member of John Raio’s First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine, as well as the Foundry Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Farmington, Maine.  Making his MMA debut in 2015, Gulliver scorched his first two opponents via first-round technical knockout prior to facing Dave Smith (2-1) last spring at “NEF 22.”  It took Gulliver a mere 28-seconds to dispatch Smith.  In all, Gulliver’s first three opponents have lasted barely over a combined two minutes in the cage with him.  He will be looking to continue that dominance of the NEF amateur heavyweight division on November 19 and claim its top prize.

 

” I would like to thank NEF for the opportunity to fight again,” said Gulliver.  “This is the biggest fight of my life. I’m excited to be fighting for the heavyweight title belt on November 19th in front of my family and friends. My goal in this sport was to get a title belt, but something bigger than that was to fight for the belt in front of my father. When I started back in June of last year my coach John Raio told me I would someday fight for the belt. This day has come and now it’s my time to finish what I set out to do.

 

“My father was not able to make my last fight because he was too sick. When I found out about this fight I called my parents and told them I would be fighting for the belt and my dad said he would do everything he could to make it. So, not only am I looking for a victory, but I’m looking to do it in front of my father.

 

“This fight is also big since my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach Brianne Genschel will be fighting alongside me.  Brianne has been working so hard for this and she deserves this fight and for her hand to be raised. I’m also excited to have longtime friend and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Shawn Smith in my corner which is also an honor. I truly want to thank The Foundry and First Class MMA for all the support and dedication they have had with me and my training.

 

“I believe this will be a great fight and I’ll have to show people a side of me they have not been able to see yet and I look forward to that. I greatly respect my opponent for taking this fight and wish him the best of luck. To my fans be ready for the Guardian to come out like you have never seen him before.  I appreciate this opportunity and I’ll do my best to put a smile on everyone’s face.  I would also like to thank my wife Heather for all the help and support she has given me.”

 

A native of Portugal, Yorgan DeCastro came to the United States with a solid kickboxing background.  He began competing in mixed-martial-arts in 2014, quickly rattling off a pair of victories on fight cards in Massachusetts. November 19 will be DeCastro’s debut on Maine soil, and he plans to return home to South Shore Sportfighting (SSSF) with the heavyweight title belt in tow.

 

“I’m excited for the opportunity to showcase my skills in front of a new crowd,” said DeCastro.  “I don’t plan on letting the fight go the distance, but I’m ready for whatever he brings to the table.  I’ve faced tougher opposition, so I know I’m prepared.”

 

The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefightsand join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

SECOND WOMEN’S FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 26

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (October 10, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 26: SUPREMACY,” on Saturday, November 19 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.  Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur featherweight women’s bout to the fight card.  “Hollywood” Hannah Sparrell (1-1) is scheduled to meet “Ferocious” Fernanda Araujo (4-4-2) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Hannah Sparrell made her NEF cage debut in September 2015 with a unanimous decision victory over Kira Innocenti (0-1).  She returned to the cage last spring at “NEF 22” in a losing effort against Angela Young (1-2).  That bout, a back and forth battle, has been one of the most memorable this year in NEF and could be in the running for “Fight of the Year” honors as well.  Sparrell is a member of First Class MMA based out of Brunswick, Maine.

 

“I’m super excited to be stepping into the NEF cage once again on November 19th,” said Sparrell.  “For months, I have had friends, supporters and fans asking me when my next bout will be.  I am happy to have a solid answer for them. Though I lost my fight to Angela during NEF 22, I left there with my head held high, a newly recognized confidence, and a hunger to get in the cage once again.

 

“Fernanda has a solid, and well rounded MMA career. Her experience and comfort level in the cage gives me a determination to train hard, give her a good fight, and feel the sense of empowerment of having my hand raised after the hard fought rounds!”

 

Fernanda Araujo is also a veteran of the NEF cage.  In 2012, she debuted in Lewiston against Maria Rios (2-3) in what turned out to be a bloody brawl.  While she lost the bout via technical knockout in the second round, Araujo impressed the Maine crowd with her gutsy performance.

 

The opening bell on Saturday, November 19 is set for 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

ONCE UNDEFEATED BANTAMWEIGHTS LOOK TO GET BACK IN THE WIN COLUMN

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Lewiston, Maine (September 29, 2016) – They started their amateur careers at a perfect 3-0, respectively.  Now, Fred Lear(3-2) and Ali Zebian (3-3) are both hoping to get back to their winning ways.

 

The mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bout between Lear and Zebian will take place onNovember 4 at the “CES vs. NEF: Supremacy” super-show in Lewiston.  The televised portion of the fight card, “CES 39,” will air live on AXS TV.  Lear and Zebian will battle on the non-televised portion of the card, “NEF 26,” at the bantamweight limit of 135-pounds.

 

Fred Lear is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  He made his NEF debut at “NEF IX” in Biddeford, Maine in the summer of 2013.  Lear would finish two of his first three bouts, with a unanimous decision victory over the always-tough Carl Langston (5-8) sandwiched in between.

 

Lear has dropped his last two, including a title-qualifier to Henry Clark (3-2) last September in Lewiston.  He will be looking to rebound from that loss, but he knows Zebian presents a hefty challenge.  It is a challenge that Lear welcomes.

 

“Fighting Ali Zebian on November 4th is a monumental opportunity,” declared Lear. “He is powerful, talented and well coached. I love to compete and am excited for the fight to come.”

 

Ali Zebian represents Fighting Arts Academy (FAA) of Springfield, Massachusetts.  He was just 19-years old when he made his mixed-martial-arts debut in 2013.  The start to his career was nothing short of stellar.  Zebian finished his first three opponents by technical knockout.

 

While Zebian has lost his last three, those losses have been to opponents coming in with a combined record of 8-3-1.  He has faced stiff competition, and he will face it once again on November 4 against Fred Lear.

 

“Ali is one of the strongest and most tenacious guys I have ever trained with,” said Zebian’s FAA teammate Nick Newell.  “Simple errors cost him his last couple fights, but time off competing to focus on his technique have made him a new man. FAA head coach Jeremy Libiszewski and I have noticed his potential for some time now, and it’s finally all starting to come together.”

 

Tickets for “CES vs. NEF: Supremacy” start at $25 and are available now  atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visitwww.CESMMA.com and www.NewEnglandFights.com.

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION RETURNS TO THE CAGE ON NOVEMBER 4

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (September 28, 2016) – He is the reigning NEF Amateur MMA Flyweight Champion, and on Friday, November 4,  Ryan Burgess (2-1) will make his return to the cage following his first taste of defeat.

 

Burgess will compete at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on the “CES vs. NEF: Supremacy” MMA super-show.  The televised portion of the fight card, “CES 39,” will air live on AXS TV.  Burgess will appear on the non-televised portion of the card, “NEF 26,” where he will take on Tim Flores (3-2).

 

Burgess, a three-time Maine State wrestling champion for Mountain Valley High School, won the flyweight title last November from Dustin Veinott (5-4) in a split-decision.  The two met in a rematch in June.  Veinott would miss weight, resulting in the bout becoming a non-title affair.  Veinott went on to submit Burgess in the second round.  Burgess is confident that his coaches at Berserkers MMA will have him prepared to bounce back from the loss.

 

“Flores seems like a tough dude and I’m expecting a gritty opponent,” said Burgess. “Coming off a loss, I am eager to jump back in the cage for NEF and capture another victory. With new coaches in my corner, I will be a new fighter come November 4th, and he will be in for a rough night.”

 

Tim Flores may be a newcomer to the NEF cage, but he is certainly no stranger to the New England MMA community.  The Connecticut native was a fixture on Massachusetts fight cards from 2012 to 2014.  In the fall of 2013, Flores sent shockwaves through the region with a vicious 18-second knockout of Dan Krall (1-3).  Like Burgess, Flores will be looking to rebound from a loss in his last fight, but in doing so he will have to shake off some ring rust as Flores has not competed since the spring of 2014.  He now represents Fighting Arts Academy (FAA) of Springfield, Massachusetts.

 

“I have been out of competition for some time, but have been working while gone,” Flores stated. “I’m looking forward to testing my new skills and bettering myself as a fighter.”

 

“He is a great athlete with explosive power for a flyweight,” remarked Flores’ coach Nick Newell.  “His skills have gone to the next level since joining FAA.”

 

Tickets for “CES vs. NEF: Supremacy” start at $25 and are available now  atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visitwww.CESMMA.com and www.NewEnglandFights.com.